Looking for a vibrant, easy, and flavorful side dish? Rotel Mexican Rice brings together fluffy rice, zesty tomatoes, and a touch of spice for a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe. Perfect alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or enchiladas, this dish is simple enough for weeknight dinners but packed with bold, delicious flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Fluffy, flavorful rice with a zesty tomato kick
- Perfect as a side or main dish for Mexican meals
- Customizable with vegetables, beans, or protein
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in rice and cook 2–3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Add Rotel tomatoes with their juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add cooked black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Substitute brown rice for a healthier version; increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep rice moist.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken.
- Pair with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for a complete meal.
- Great for meal prep or as a side for Mexican-themed dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but cooking time will increase by 10–15 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Rotel tomatoes. Add extra chilies if you prefer more heat.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes! Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans for a complete meal.
Ready to Make It?
This Rotel Mexican Rice is quick, colorful, and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving to guests, it’s a versatile dish you’ll return to again and again. Save this recipe now!
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Easy Rotel Mexican Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Rotel Mexican Rice is a quick, colorful, and flavorful side dish with fluffy rice, zesty tomatoes, and a hint of spice — perfect for weeknight dinners or Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
2. Stir in rice and cook 2–3 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. Add Rotel tomatoes with their juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Cover and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of broth to keep rice moist.
Customize by adding beans, corn, or vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg